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In British Columbia, a notary public is a legal professional to serve the public typically in non-contentious legal matters. While notaries are not necessarily lawyers, all lawyers are also notaries public and can provide the same services that a notary public does.

Here are some examples of services a lawyer/notary public can provide:

Notarization and authentication

Notaries public provide notarization and authentication of legal documents such as government documents, travel consent, and guardianship forms. When a document requires a notary public or a commissioner for oaths to witness a signature, a lawyer/notary public can be that witness.

Estate planning

A notary public can review your will to ensure that directives are clear and compliant with provincial law. Notaries can also provide assistance with preparing a power of attorney, which is a legal document that authorizes someone to handle your legal and financial affairs in the event of incapacitation. The notary public performs a key role in the execution of a power of attorney by not only confirming the identity of the person signing but also ensuring that at the time of signing, the person was of sound mind.

Affidavit and statutory declarations

Notaries can assist with legal procedures requiring an oath, affirmation or declaration, such as witnessing an affidavit for use in Court or statutory declarations.

Health planning

Health care planning is another area in which notaries can be helpful.

You can authorize a third party to make important health care decisions. These decisions can include end-of-life care. End of life care covers life support and termination of medical. This agreement is known as a Representation Agreement. In such an arrangement, the individual who is granted control is known as the representative or agent, and the individual for whom decisions will be made is the donor or the adult. Before authorizing this individual, make sure you fully trust your representative, as this agent can be making important decisions about your health and well-being.

A lawyer/notary public can draft a Representation Agreement to prepare for various medical treatments to reduce the risk in the event that you ever face a situation where you are unable to make important decisions due to medical reasons, but this has to be done before you are ever incapacitated.

Richmond notary public

If you are searching for notarial services in Richmond, BC, contact Bernard Lau and Co. Law Corporation.

We are a boutique law firm with a strong concentration on real estate, wills, and estate matters. We also offer notary services, including notarization of legal documents such as travel consent forms, government documents, bank documents, ICBC and insurance documents, or personal documents that require legal and formal witnessing.

Our team boasts over 10 years of experience delivering efficient legal services to clients, and we would be pleased to help you. Call us at 604-285-5240 or visit our website today.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this web site and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.

Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the web site may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the web site, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.

If you are dealing with a civil matter or facing criminal charges, you should seek legal representation. When choosing a law firm, it is crucial to select one that will cater to your specific needs.

Below are some things to look for when selecting a law firm.

Experience

When conducting a real estate transaction, a divorce lawyer would be of little help.

Always look for a law firm with lawyers who have years of experience providing the legal services you need. Also, ask about the results of the cases they have handled that are similar to yours.

The cost of their services

Legal services can be quite costly. Before retaining legal representation, you should know how much you are willing to spend. You must consider this budget when picking a firm. Also, ensure you make price comparisons. You can ask each firm for a quote as well as a guide on how they bill their clients.

Communication

There is a lot of information that needs to be transmitted between a client and their lawyer. When considering a firm, it is wise to seek knowledge on how they will communicate with you, whether mostly through emails, phone calls or in person. Look for a firm whose lawyers will take the time to explain complicated matters, provide options and solutions and keep you up to date on your case’s progress.

The size of the law firm

A large law firm doesn’t always mean a better firm. While larger firms tend to be more established and possess greater resources than small firms, they can be more costly. Additionally, large firms typically deal with high volumes of cases, which might mean lawyers will have less time to dedicate to your case. Cases may also be processed in batches. As a result, the unique aspects of a client may be lost in processing.

As a potential client, you want a lawyer that pays attention and listens to you. The absence of such traits will likely create frustration and dissatisfaction. So, select a law firm that makes you feel like you are the most important client they have.

Client driven

All decisions and efforts of a firm must be focused on what is in the best, long-term interest of each client. Client satisfaction should be the chief concern of any good law firm, holding to the thought, “the client always comes first.”

Are you looking for a real estate or civil litigation law firm in Richmond, BC?

Searching for the right law firm may seem time-consuming, but finding the right fit for your needs will be worth the effort.

If you need a real estate lawyer or civil litigation lawyer in Richmond, BC, contact us at Bernard Lau and Co. Law Corporation. Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with diverse backgrounds, and our firm has a reputation for delivering efficient legal services and excellent client service.

Make us your real estate and civil litigation law firm of choice in Richmond, BC. Contact us today to schedule a legal consultation or to learn more about our services.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this web site and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.

Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the web site may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the web site, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.

Many Canadians are concerned about the management of their money and property as they get older and what might happen if they become unable to deal with their own finances. As a consequence, it is a good idea to plan ahead for a time when you are likely to need help in managing your affairs One of the tools often used for managing financial matters is power of attorney.

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives one or more persons (referred to as appointees or attorneys) authority to manage your money and property on your behalf.

In British Columbia, there are two types of powers of attorney: a general power of attorney and an enduring or continuing power of attorney.

General power of attorney

A general power of attorney gives your attorney the authority to manage all, or some of your finances and property only while you are mentally capable of managing your own affairs. It ends if you become mentally incapable.

A general power of attorney can be specific, meaning it gives your appointee authority for a specific period of time, or it can be limited, meaning it gives authority for a limited task, for example, to sell real estate. The document can go into effect as soon as you sign it, or, on a date specified in the document.

Enduring or continuing power of attorney

Conversely, an enduring or continuing power of attorney enables your attorney to continue acting for you if you become mentally incapable of managing your finances and property. It can take effect as soon as you sign it, but in some cases, you may specify that the document comes into effect only in the event that you become mentally incapable.

You must be mentally capable at the time you sign any type of power of attorney for it to be considered valid. This means you should be able to understand and appreciate financial and legal decisions and the consequences that may result from making these decisions.

Importance of power of attorney

Having a power of attorney arrangement in place is important because it has numerous advantages. For one, it makes it clear who will be responsible for your money and property if you can’t manage them on your own, even temporarily.

It also gives you peace of mind, as your attorney has to manage your money and property for your benefit and can be required by law to account for and explain how your assets are being managed.

In contrast, if you lose your mental capacity and do not have a valid document in place, then someone will need to get authority from the court to manage your money and property, which can turn out to be time-consuming and costly.

Do you need help drafting a power of attorney?

Although you are not required by law to use a lawyer’s services when preparing a power of attorney, it is recommended that you do so, especially if your situation is complicated.

If you are searching for a lawyer in Richmond to prepare a power of attorney, contact us today at Bernard Lau & Co. to schedule an appointment with our estate planning lawyer.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this web site and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.

Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the web site may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the web site, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.

When it comes to your finances and assets, you need to prepare for what happens when you die.

Over half of Canadian adults do not have a will, with most believing that they are too young to worry about having one, while others believe that they do not have enough assets to require one. Research shows that Canadians over the age of 55 are more likely to have a will than younger Canadians. The findings also suggest that Canadians who have a household income of over $100,000 are more likely to have a will than those who earn less.

Dying without a proper will may leave your family in a difficult situation. In Canada, when a person dies intestate, i.e. without a will, they lose the right to appoint an administrator of his choosing, and his property or assets are distributed by an administrator under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act.

There are benefits to making a willꓽ

• It reduces the stress on your family after you die.
• It gives you control over how your assets are distributed. You have the last say.
• A will helps to prevent conflict as it provides clear guidance on what should be done.
• It allows parents to have a say in custody arrangements for minor children.
• It allows for beneficiaries outside of the family to be included.

Hiring a will and estate lawyer versus using a will kit

While some sites and kits can help you to write your own will, it is always recommended to get help from a lawyer.

Here are ten reasons it’s a good idea to hire a lawyer to draft your willꓽ

1. A will is a legally binding document. If not prepared properly, it can result in additional legal costs and cause issues for your beneficiaries.
2. A lawyer can provide legal advice on how to avoid situations such as will variation, which is an application by a spouse or child to change your will after you die.
3. A lawyer will ensure that your will is compliant with the laws of your province.
4. A lawyer, in most cases, will place the original of your will in safekeeping. They will also retain notes that may become useful during the administration of the will.
5. If the capacity of the person who made the will is challenged, a lawyer can provide proof to support the capacity of the will-maker.
6. A lawyer can help to reduce taxes and other costs your loved ones may face after your death.
7. With the constant changes in life, it’s important that your will remains current. A will and estate lawyer can ensure that your will is updated and current as well as ensure it contains the right clauses to suit your unique situation.
8. A will and estate lawyer can help you to avoid common mistakes, such as naming the wrong executor or leaving out assets.
9. A lawyer can help you to protect your interests.
10. A lawyer can help you to prepare for contingencies, for example, if you should outlive your heirs or executor, or if an asset no longer exists.

Are you searching for a will and estate lawyer in Richmond?

A proper will is important, and the experienced team at Bernard and Lau Co. Law Corporation is ready to help you put a plan in place for your estate.

Bernard and Lau Co. is a boutique firm located in Richmond, BC, focusing on legal matters relating to wills, probate, and estate planning. Our diverse and experienced team will guide you each step of the way to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Call or visit our website today to schedule a consultation.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this web site and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.

Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the web site may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the web site, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.